And Check out ourOffice Special – Refer a Friends and Get A $25 credit for a Follow-up Visit!

Etain, NY States ONLY Women-Owned dispensary, and Women Grow NYC sponsored a FREE patient education event to educate the consumer about the Science of Cannabis as Medicine. Doc Tommy was one of the industry expert, medical professionals who joined the discussion on the science of cannabis as a medicine.

The discussion event was well-received with an attendance of approximately 75 people. Doc Tommy spoke for about 30 minutes followed by a Q&A session. See more about this event here.

Summer Comforts

We hope you are enjoying your summer! Here are a few tips to continue your fun.

Attend to Your Feet. Take a look at our feature on The Importance of Foot Care with recipes for foot soaks, how-to massage info, and other resources about foot health.

click image to enlarge

Caring for your feet is paramount because your entire body rests on them! Did you know that your feet have more than 50 bones (which is approximately one-fourth of all the bones in your body), more than 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons, and ligaments? That’s quite a bit contained in such small packages! Check out the reflexology chart that shows the areas of the feet that correspond to ALL parts of your body! More info…

Will a Medical Marijuana Card Show Up on a Background Check?

“The simple answer to this question is no. Because you only have a medical marijuana card on the recommendation of your doctor, it is therefore considered to be part of your private medical history. All data relating to a US citizen’s health records are protected under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), which means the data is not in the public domain and so should not be picked up by a background check…. It should be noted that the card itself is issued by the state and is not formally protected under HIPPA. However, it is given special protections because of the implied knowledge of your health records that it could give. As a result, state officials are not permitted to access information about it or to pass any details about it on to third parties. No personal data (such as your social security number) is attached to your card either. Even the marijuana dispensary you use can only check whether your card is valid or not. It is therefore pretty much impossible for your card to show up on any background check.” (Source: Addictive Tips) Read How to Be Sure Your Medical Marijuana Card Doesn’t Show up on a Background Check and Best Background Checking Sites to See if Your Medical Marijuana Card Shows up and more…

Our Resources Page

Have you seen our Resource Page? We regularly add links to information, tips, products, and more to support the MMJ community. Check out our new additions!

“Feel Good” News!

Have you heard about Enedina Stanger? She is an amazing, living-proof-advocate of the benefits of Medical Marijuana! She was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) (a group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues), a painful disorder that cause Enedina’s bones to slip out of place. The world was first introduced to Mrs. Stanger and her condition when her husband competed on American Ninja Warrior in 2015 while she sat on the sidelines in a wheelchair, unable to walk and with a limited, life expectancy. Over the last 3 years, we have seen Enedina become a MMJ advocate and actually walk and stand on the sidelines during her husband’s ANW course run! In an ANW episode that aired July 9, 2018, Enedina Stanger made her first run on the course!!!

“Enedina is not afraid to talk about her use of medical cannabis. ‘The United States is still in the ‘cannabis closet’ she explains. ‘We need to talk more about why it works.’ Initially starting the conversation with family and friends, she is now a local cannabis educator as well as a national advocate. ‘We shouldn’t be afraid of speaking to our doctors about treatment we need. If something will help, don’t take no for an answer.'” (source: The Invisible Project)

Medical Marijuana in The News

Being an informed patient puts you in charge of your health and healing.

We encourage you to stay up-to-date with the rapidly changing policies concerning Medical Marijuana (from farming to distribution), especially with the current, federal administration and its choices for its officers.

EMERGENCY REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: New York State Department of Health Announces Opioid Replacement Now a Qualifying Condition for Medical Marijuana.

“Effective immediately, registered practitioners may certify patients to use medical marijuana as a replacement for opioids, provided that the precise underlying condition for which an opioid would otherwise be prescribed is stated on the patient’s certification. This allows patients with severe pain that doesn’t meet the definition of chronic pain to use medical marijuana as a replacement for opioids. In addition, the regulation adds opioid use disorder as an associated condition. This allows patients with opioid use disorder who are enrolled in a certified treatment program to use medical marijuana as an opioid replacement.” Source: NYS Department of Health Press Release

U.S. Senate Votes To Legalize Hemp After Decades-Long Ban Under Marijuana Prohibition. The U.S. Senate passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which includes provisions to legalize hemp (cannabis’ non-psychoactive cousin) for the first time since the 1930s. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) initially sponsored a standalone, legislation to legalize hemp , provisions for which are included in the larger Farm Bill and also makes hemp plants eligible for crop insurance. Read more…

POLICING: Colorado Schools Are Using THC Test Strips to Find Out What Students Are Vaping. “Particularly in states with legal cannabis, schools have tried a variety of methods to prevent student vaping. Vape pens intended for nicotine are nearly indistinguishable from vapes designed for marijuana, meaning law enforcers often can’t tell what someone is vaping. Administrators at Yampah Mountain High School in Colorado are employing a newly-developed cannabis detection S2 test strip, allowing educators to find out what students are vaping without police intervention. Prior to using the S2 test strips, the school administrator would call police to have potential pot products tested. FYI, police departments have also begun to use these strips to test for cannabis and may use them to crack down on people having a puff on the street. Read more…

Lagunitas Debuts Hops Cannabis-Infused Sparkling Water. Lagunitas, a Califonia craft brewery, debuts the first product released by a major brewery in a state-legal cannabis market. The THC-infused beverage, an IPA-flavored seltzer water called Hi-Fi Hops comes in two varieties: a 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD infusion and another with 10mg of THC and no CBD, for a stronger buzz. “We’ve often dreamed of hops and their cannabis cousin partying together at the family reunion. We wanted to bring this party to life in a beverage. It’s high-time that good beer inspired a provocative, yet refreshing non-alcoholic alternative. With a smidge of California sun-grown cannabis in every sip.” — Jeremy Marshall, Brewmonster, The Lagunitas Brewing Company Read more…

It is important to stay up to date with Medical Marijuana news and contact your legislators(and get on their mailing lists) to:

Recap of Doc Tommy Happenings

Click to enlarge

The latest article that Doc Tommy is quoted in is in The Daily Mail. This article leans towards disparaging the beneficial effects of Medical Marijuana, stating, “There is no conclusive evidence that marijuana helps with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, experts say.” Hmmm, just who are these experts? It’s worth reading if for nothing else but to see what Doc Tommy says.

Doc Tommy’s Video Showcase!

Here’s yet another reason to know that Doc Tommy is the right doctor!Weedmaps.com (“the most reliable online resource to find cannabis storefronts, doctors and deals”) approached Doc Tommy to be the subject of this amazing video!

Only a doctor whose professionalism, expertise, and great patient relationships will yield such really, good karma! (Click video for full screen or CLICK HERE for larger video view.) NOTE: You may wish to LOWER the video’s volume before playing.

Latest Video Testimonial

Check out our newest, video testimonial! (Click video for full screen.) NOTE: You may wish to LOWER the video’s volume before playing.If you would like to offer a testimonial, please share here.

Here’s your chance to be a proud supporter of Doc Tommy and his caring approach to your well-being and success with Medical Marijuana! Upload your video testimonialto our private and secure account and help other people get over the fright and plight of the stigma of MMJ! The more people who have success with MMJ, the more people who can benefit from MMJ!

Join our mailing list to be kept up to date.

Disclaimer: Please note that Doc Tommy News is presented as a resource for health tips, current events, and other interests to give patients an opportunity to expand awareness of developments concerning Medical Marijuana in the United States and abroad. The views and opinions expressed in Doc Tommy News are those of the individual authors/parties and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Office of Dr. Thomas G. O’Brien, II.

And Check out ourOffice Special – Refer a Friends and Get A $25 credit for a Follow-up Visit!

Etain, NY States ONLY Women-Owned dispensary, and Women Grow NYC are sponsoring a FREE patient education event to educate the consumer about the Science of Cannabis as Medicine. Doc Tommy is one of the industry expert medical professionals who will discuss the science of cannabis as a medicine.

Join them on May 23rd, 6:30pm-9:00pm at Arts Westchester, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains NY. Register here or contact them for more information.

Safe Memorial Day Fun

Hurray! We’re about to launch the Summer Season! Here are some tips to safely enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend adventures.

Protect yourself in the sun with sunscreen. First, to avoid sunburn and skin damage, picnic under a tree, take a canopy to the beach and chill beneath an umbrella. SPF-rated moisturizers, sunscreens, and lip balms are not created equal, so peruse The Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Sunscreens.

Hydrate.It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day with water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers and bell peppers as well as ice pops — here’s Martha Stewart’s easy, any juice ice pop recipe! Note: One of our patients makes this recipe with NO sugar or substitutes the sugar with honey water.

Make Healthy Food Choices. To make it easier, The Environmental Working Group has many wonderful resources for you to seek and find information concerning food safety and more!

The EWG’s Food Score Guides help consumers make healthier, greener food choices. More than 80,000 products are rated on a scale of 1 (best) to 10 (worst) and scored on three criteria: nutrition; ingredient concerns (including factors such as the likely presence of key contaminants, pesticides, hormones and antibiotics, and the health implications of certain food additives); and processing (the extent to which a particular food has been processed). You can look up a product; search by company; search by category; and find better alternatives. Take advantage of this amazing, free resource!

Grill Veggies! As we mentioned, it is important to hydrate and eating cruciferous (high, water content) foods makes a great contribution to your water intake. And vegetables are good for you! So, cook a veggie kabob as part of the meal and check out some delicious, vegetable grill recipes from Food and Wine.

Get Moving.Just because you may be enjoying a cookout doesn’t mean you have to spend the day eating! Be sure to get a little fun exercise in – throw the ball, play badminton, dance, etc.!

#2: Grill Safety — Thoroughly clean a grill of any grease or dust; prevent an uncontrolled fire by checking the tubes leading into the burner for any blockages from insects or food grease; prevent gas leaks by replacing any connectors; and keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a any grill.

#3: Water Safety — To prevent drowning, avoid alcohol when swimming or boating; wear a life-jacket whenever you are on a boat; make sure are supervise young children at all times; don’t swim alone or in bad weather; learn and teach your children to swim; learn CPR in case of an emergency.

#4: Sun Safety — Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it generously throughout the day; wear a hat outdoors and a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes; drink plenty of water, especially when in the sun or if you are sweating heavily; if you feel faint or nauseous, get into a cool place immediately. (See sun safety tip above.)

#5: Travel Safety – Take along a traveler’s first aid kit to help you be prepared for common emergencies. Avoid talking or texting on a cell phone while driving.

Our Resources Page

Have you seen our Resource Page? We regularly add links to information, tips, products, and more to support the MMJ community. Check out our new additions!

Medical Marijuana in The News

Being an informed patient puts you in charge of your health and healing.

We encourage you to stay up-to-date with the rapidly changing policies concerning Medical Marijuana (from farming to distribution), especially with the new administration and its choices for its officers.

New York: Senator Chuck Schumer Introduces Bill on 4/20 to Federally Decriminalize Cannabis. New York Senator Chuck Schumer, once a leading advocate of federal drug prohibition, has introduced a new bill that would decriminalize cannabis on a federal level, allowing states the freedom to enact their own cannabis laws. Schumer’s bill would remove cannabis from the list of dangerous drugs scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970; make funding available to minority- and women-owned canna-businesses; require additional research on the public health impact of nationwide legal cannabis use (including impaired driving); and reserve the federal government’s authority to regulate all commercial cannabis licensing, so that the same restrictions imposed on alcohol and tobacco licenses could be extended to commercial cannabis products. Read more…

Trivia Tidbit: Origins of the term “420” — The association between the number “420” and marijuana began when five high school kids in California met at 4:20 p.m. to look for a mythical, abandoned crop of marijuana plants (using a hand-drawn, treasure map!) in 1971. Source: Snopes.com

Record Number of Running as “Pro-Cannabis Candidates.” Since several former champions of the War on Drugs, including former Speaker of the House John Boehner (Boehner has been appointed to the board of advisers of Acreage Holdings, a New York City-based canna-business running cultivation, dispensary, and processing operations in 11 states) as well as current Senator Dianne Feinstein, have “done a complete 180” and announced that they now support cannabis reform, it seems that running as the “cannabis candidate” is the popular trend. From the top five 2020, Presidential candidates to how candidates intend to use the “Marijuana Tax,” ideas of total prohibition are being traded for legalizing marijuana and reforming various laws in support of safety, regulation, and accountability. We can always hope that such turn-arounds are also influenced by increasing evidence that cannabis is more effective for treating pain than addictive opioids (see below). See The 2018 Midterms and Marijuana: How Pot Change Will Change the Vote.

Majority of Pain Sufferers Prefer Cannabis to Opioids. In a new study conducted in cooperation with the University of California Berkeley on pain medications, MMJ community website HelloMD surveyed nearly 3,000 MMJ users regarding cannabis as an effective substitute for opioid and non-opioid medications. Dr. Perry Solomon, Chief Medical Officer for HelloMD stated, “The latest publication from the National Academy of Sciences clearly refuted the ‘gateway drug’ theory that using marijuana can lead to opioid addiction, instead finding evidence of cannabis having multiple curative benefits… Our study further substantiates this. Hopefully this will awaken the public, medical professionals and legislatures to the fact that cannabis is a safe, non-addictive product, available to help fight the opioid epidemic.” Amanda Reiman, a lead researchers of the study, said, “Cannabis has been used throughout the world for thousands of years to treat pain and other physical and mental health conditions.” Read more…

Recap of Doc Tommy Happenings

Click to enlarge

The latest article that Doc Tommy is quoted in is in The Daily Mail. This article leans towards disparaging the beneficial effects of Medical Marijuana, stating, “There is no conclusive evidence that marijuana helps with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, experts say.” Hmmm, just who are these experts? It’s worth reading if for nothing else but to see what Doc Tommy says.

Doc Tommy’s Video Showcase!

Here’s yet another reason to know that Doc Tommy is the right doctor!Weedmaps.com (“the most reliable online resource to find cannabis storefronts, doctors and deals”) approached Doc Tommy to be the subject of this amazing video!

Only a doctor whose professionalism, expertise, and great patient relationships will yield such really, good karma! (Click video for full screen or CLICK HERE for larger video view.) NOTE: You may wish to LOWER the video’s volume before playing.

Latest Video Testimonial

Check out our newest, video testimonial! (Click video for full screen.) NOTE: You may wish to LOWER the video’s volume before playing.If you would like to offer a testimonial, please share here.

Here’s your chance to be a proud supporter of Doc Tommy and his caring approach to your well-being and success with Medical Marijuana! Upload your video testimonialto our private and secure account and help other people get over the fright and plight of the stigma of MMJ! The more people who have success with MMJ, the more people who can benefit from MMJ!

Join our mailing list to be kept up to date.

Disclaimer: Please note that Doc Tommy News is presented as a resource for health tips, current events, and other interests to give patients an opportunity to expand awareness of developments concerning Medical Marijuana in the United States and abroad. The views and opinions expressed in Doc Tommy News are those of the individual authors/parties and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Office of Dr. Thomas G. O’Brien, II.

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Testimonials

Thank you, Dr. O’Brien! I was scared to go to another doctor’s appointment but Dr. Tommy said he treats his patients like family…and he was right! He was incredibly kind and most impressive to me, he really knew his stuff. Finding a doctor willing to talk to you for an hour (in NYC!), and discuss Read More…

…I ONLY have great things to say! I found only 5-star reviews about Dr. O’Brien on websites… ALL of the reviews were right! My experience has been great!!! You get what you pay for! The time and attention that Dr. O’Brien gave me was well worth his fees and I like his discount and referral programs! Read More…

Dr. O’Brien is a professional, kind and patient doctor with friendly office staff. We went there to treat chronic pain resulting from a spinal injury. It’s been almost one year since we met him and life has been so much better without the use of opiates. He will take the time to talk with you Read More…

Amazingly informative!! Dr. Tommy O (O’Brien) explained everything in excellent detail and in a way my son and I could fully comprehend his medical problem and the appropriate treatment. This way we understand why we are using the prescribed medication and how to use it. Thank you so much!! – Enid G., Queens

Hey Doc, just want to sincerely thank you. For the first time in 7 years I wasn’t doped up but I was pain free. It’s a feeling that I couldn’t t even begin to describe. You have changed my life. All those years of opiates and horrible medicines controlling me, now I am in charge Read More…

I wanted to update you and let you know that the medical marijuana is helping to keep my pain in check so I can be functional. It doesn’t take my pain away completely but it helps me get up everyday and go to work which is exactly what I needed. I am so thankful that Read More…

This in my opinion: [Doc Tommy] is one of the best doctors in NYC. I suffer from nerve damage and I qualify for legal cannabis use in NY. I am no longer taking opiates. Oxy sucks; it ruined my life. Thank you, Doctor O’Brien for your help and concern. He has the real doctor’s bed Read More…